A winning record is likely going to be difficult to come by as the Pella Christian girls basketball team returns from winter break.

With the likes of ranked Dallas Center-Grimes and Pella on the horizon and an improved Oskaloosa team also looming, there’s no doubt the Eagles will be competing hard each night even as they may find the scoreboard comes to rest at a difficult margin.

Pella Christian Head Coach Brad Engbers says growing pains now may pay off long term on a team largely made up of juniors and freshman, including the likes of talented multi-sport athletes such as Chloe Huisman and Faith Kacmarynski.

Engbers says navigating the always difficult Little Hawkeye Conference and taking lumps now may make them a really tough out the second time through the league rotation and when the 2A playoffs come in February, especially if P.C. can return to full health.

Pella Christian hosts No. 6 in 4A Dallas Center-Grimes as part of a varsity doubleheader Tuesday, which can be heard live on 92.1 KRLS and the Pella Christian High School YouTube channel.